Abedon Ortiz Jr.

Abedon Ortiz Jr., lovingly known as JR by friends and family, was born on April 1, 1936 to Abedon Sr. and Maria Ignacia Ortiz; in Maestas Canyon, Rociada, New Mexico. JR had five brothers and three sisters. He married Maria Marcelena Sanchez on May 6, 1957. Together they have six children: Josephine (Victor) Abeyta, Gabriel (Angelika) Ortiz, Ralph Ortiz, Jeanette (Carlos) Griego, Viola (Robert) Mondragon and RoseAnn Quintana. Grand children: Ernestine Mondragon, Victor Abeyta Jr., Christopher Ortiz, Nicholas Mondragon, Joseph Abeyta, Tanya Ortiz, Kevin Griego, Sabrina Abeyta, Samantha Griego, Sarah Ortiz, Kimberly Mondragon, Maria Quintana, Alexander Ortiz, Mario Quintana, Steffen Ortiz. He is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren, He had many nephews and nieces and friends who loved him dearly. A true family man, he built great relationships with his brother and sister-in-laws. JR grew up in Rociada as a cowboy and won several events in calf roping. He worked in the ship docks in California, a Steel Mill in Pueblo Colorado, and construction in New Mexico. Finally, he worked at a radio communication facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he retired in 1999. JR was a compassionate, family oriented and loving man. His cousins, Clyde and Orlando were viewed as brothers and their kids always called him Uncle JR. He opened his home and welcomed his wifes siblings after her mom passed away; giving them a home of love and guidance. JR was known as a great story teller. He passionately talked about hunting and fishing, always sharing his adventures with others. Even if you heard the story a hundred times, whether he was talking about family, his travels, sports or the past, it was always as though you were hearing it for the first time. Each story carried his signature sparkle in his eyes and playful tone. JR and his wife were godparents to twelve. JR was unofficially a godfather to many more, as he baptized them with nicknames of their own. He loved to work with wood and was always working on a project. He was always surrounded by his wife, family, friends and neighbors of the community who loved him. He will always be greatly missed, loved and remembered. Services took place on Friday, May 1, 2015 with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial took place on Saturday, May 2, 2015, followed by Interment at the Pojoaque Cemetery. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.